Mastercard and Tennis Australia are delighted to announce that Tennis Australia has joined Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition which unites the efforts of organisations, banks, cities, and consumers to fight climate change.
Guided by its restoration partners, Conservation International and World Resources Institute, the Coalition employs science-based best practices to identify project sites and restoration methods that will have the greatest impact for the climate, communities and biodiversity impacts, while also providing economic opportunities for local communities.
The Coalition was created in 2020 and has pledged to restore 100 million trees by 2025. Forest restoration is proven to be an effective way to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and helps to reduce the occurrences of climate-related disasters such as fires and flooding.
Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said, “We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Mastercard by becoming a member of its Priceless Planet Coalition. Joining this important initiative will help us to expand our efforts in minimising the impact of climate change and will form part of our broader sustainability strategy and commitment.
“Organisations everywhere have a responsibility to take action against climate change and the work Mastercard is doing to enable this by bringing together its global network is to be applauded.”
Mastercard's Vice President Integrated Marketing and Communications Australasia, Kirsty Redfearn said, “Mastercard is thrilled to have Tennis Australia join the Priceless Planet Coalition. Everyone can make a bigger impact than if each one acted alone – rallying and uniting as a force for good. Tennis Australia will contribute to Mastercard’s global Coalition project goals.
“Mastercard is excited to see Priceless Planet come to life at this year’s Australian Open and to have Tennis Australia on board.”
Tennis Australia is a proud signatory of the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework. The Australian Open 2023 features a number of climate action pilot programs including use of reusable retail crockery and cups in the AO Tennis Club and Beach Bar, as well as new Recycling Hubs where friendly ‘Trash Talkers’ help patrons to separate waste and improve clean waste streams. Fans are also be able to donate at Mastercard’s Priceless Planet donation terminals at the centre of Grand Slam Oval.
In addition, Mastercard’s hospitality suite has been certified by Climate Active, Australia’s collective initiative for climate action, as the first-ever carbon-neutral activation at Australian Open. The certification encompasses all elements incurred by the suite’s activities for the duration of the Australian Open 2023.